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Beverly lost 86 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Beverly on her 86 pounds weight loss.  She went from 300+ pounds down to 215 pounds after being diagnosed pre-diabetic.

My name is Beverly, I’m 50 years old and this has been a journey. I was at my highest weight at 301 pounds in June of 2012. I now weigh 215 pounds thanks to wanting to lose weight and exercise, along with healthy eating. I give credit to God for the walks and talks thru this life changing experience!!

I was back and forth to the Emergency Room with difficulty breathing and numerous EkG’s. I was diagnosed Pre-Diabetic with Hypertension. I prayed and ask God for help. I thought I was dying.  Weighing 300+ pounds was like carrying 2 people. I began to walk everyday.  I did 30 minutes out and 30 minutes back in. In addition, I stopped drinking soda and unhealthy snacks.  Now, I eat less junk food and more fruit and vegastables. I went from size 24 pants to size 16 and I feel great!!

Beverly weight loss

Obesity and African-American Women – I See Smoke

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Today’s Inspiration | I know that many people feel that government stats are just used to put more stigma on the black community. For example, stats that note the number of blacks in jail, the number of black male youth not in college, or a report that came out a few years back on black women and herpes. I know that when we hear these stats many times we dismiss them as negative and skewed. We

don’t believe the numbers, and in the face of institutional racism we all understand why. However, we know where truth lives in our own communities. We may not believe the exact numbers, but we also know that everything is not peachy keen in terms of health in the black community. Many of us doing quite well, but just like any other community, many of us have issues. I say all this because I want you to consider some widely quoted stats from the CDC and HHS.– African American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S. – About four out of five African American women are overweight or obese.
– In 2010, African American women were 70% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women.
– More than 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.
– People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, and LDL cholesterol — all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
– Deaths from heart disease and stroke are almost twice the rate for African Americans as compared to Whites.

These stats are high and your can argue with them. You can call them fiction, inflated, or an attack if you want. That’s not what matters. What matters is that there ARE African Americans who have health challenges that are directly related to their weight. What matters is that we look at ourselves and our families and consider whether we are dealing with obesity or if we are lying to ourselves. We have to determine for ourselves. No government report can define our health. No government stats can cure the effects of obesity. I take these stats as a alarm. I may not see fire, but if I see smoke…I know it’s time to move. I see smoke in terms of how weight and obesity is affecting our community. We don’t need stats to see that.

Day 4 – BWLW September Smoothie Challenge – Dealing with Detox

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It’s Day 4!  You’re doing it, Lady!!!  I’m so proud of everyone!  I’m going to share some info about detoxing symptoms today, but first let me give you our new recipes.

Today’s Recipes:  Today’s recipes come from LifeWithNature.com

Flat Tummy  “Rich in digestion supporting ingredients, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can sabotage your tummy flattening efforts.”

  • 3/4 c. papaya
  • 3/4 c. sliced peaches
  • 1/2 pear, sliced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • 2 mint leaves
  • Water to thin

Skin Saver – “Antioxidants in berries are known to help to fight wrinkles and other skin ageing signs.  Berries are also a great way to control blood sugar that can sabotage your complexion.  This smoothie also contains Omega 3, to fight inflammation, as well as vitamins E and C, both renown to help the skin.”

  • 3/4 c blueberries
  • 3/4 c pitted cherries
  • 5   strawberries
  • 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 2 tsp wheat germ (optional)
  • 2 tsp ground flaxseed
  • Water, to thin

Peanut Butter Energy Booster – “This protein-rich and minerals-filled smoothie will give you long-lasting energy.  Cinnamon will help to control your blood sugar so your energy level won’t crash too quickly.”

  • 1 big banana
  • 1 scoop of natural hemp protein powder
  • 2 tsp of natural peanut butter
  • 1 handful of fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  • Water, to thin

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Detoxing

A few ladies have expressed concern about not feeling well during the smoothie challenge.  Are you dealing with any of the following symptoms?

  • Sleep issues
  • Skin breakouts
  • Bloating, stomach pains
  • Headaches (common if you’ve been drinking coffee or soda regularly)
  • Strange Food cravings
  • Loose stool and constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Irritable or Emotional
  • Stuffiness and Congestion
  • Flu like symptoms

All of these issues can be signs that your body is detoxing due to all of the fruits, veggies, and clean ingredients that you are eating.  Don’t worry.  This is natural. When you eliminate or cut back on certain foods, especially processed foods, your body is able to switch from processing chemicals and work on the accumulated toxins in your body. Your body use your liver, colon, skin, etc to get the toxins out.  This is great.  You will not only be shedding pounds, you will be shedding toxins.

As the toxins and garbage move out of your body this is what is causing you not to feel well.  Once 3-7 days pass you should start feeling better.  You can slow down the detox if it gets too bad by eating a slice of bread or white rice.  If you have really bad symptoms for more than 7 days, you may want to discontinue the challenge.

As a side note: I must repeat that because of how bodies dealing with illness deal with detox and extreme diet changes, people with diabetes, low blood sugar, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus,  impaired immune function, ulcerative colitis, terminal illness, epilepsy, or other serious health conditions should consult their doctor before going on any type of smoothie challenge, juice fast, etc.